U's Look for Trophy Progress

8 January 2013

Chris Wilder looks ahead to tonight's big game

United may have gone out of one cup on Saturday but Manager Chris Wilder wants his side to use that game as a springboard for Johnstone’s Paint Trophy success this evening as the U’s welcome Southend United in the area semi-final. Defeat against Sheffield United clearly hurt the U’s boss, who will be looking for a reaction tonight:

“We had a meeting yesterday, and although I’m not one for having a meeting just for the sake of it we wanted to refocus” he told www.oufc.co.uk. “Let’s get it straight: I don’t like losing and I’m not happy about Saturday. We don’t like losing games of football and we haven’t been doing it recently where we have been on a great run.

“Regardless of the opposition, whether they are second or third in League One and just spent £100,000 on a player, I don’t like losing. We have to move on pretty quickly because this is a massive game for us in a massive period of the season”.

A win tonight would leave United or Southend facing a two legged final against either Leyton Orient or Yeovil with a Wembley final the prize. The competition is hotting up as that prize comes more and more into focus:

“I think everyone always says that when it gets to this stage and you can see where you can go. We are playing a decent League Two side but not an unbeatable League Two side and if we do manage to get through then it really is game on.

“We understand the importance of the game and it is a great opportunity. Not many players in their careers will play at Wembley. We are fortunate to have had a little taste of it, and we want more”.

Prices have been reduced for tonight’s game: adult tickets are just £10 so book your place and come and back the U’s. Call 01865 337533 or visit www.oufctickets.co.uk

See a full preview show featuring Tony Capaldi, Tom Craddock and the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy itself, all in Yellow Player.